The ‘balance of toxins’ approach finally justified? – BBC NEWS | Daily caffeine ‘protects brain’

BBC NEWS | Health | Daily caffeine ‘protects brain’

When I was younger, fitter and more devil-may-care I consumed inordinate amount of great coffee and ordinary wine. My long-suffering and healthy partner (now wife) would occasionally take me to task (as she witnessed the umpteenth ristretto of the day) and I would reply that it was part of my “balance of toxins” regime: the red wine and caffeine would cancel each other out, leaving me hale and hearty.

Every other month we learn that wine in moderation is good for us, but I’ve not seen until now any scientific evidence of the beneficial effects of caffeine. Just as well there’s such a catchy phrase for this benefit – the “blood brain barrier”.

Sadly, the result has only been seen in (jittery? wired?) rabbits, but I think it’s time I volunteered for the human trials and cranked up my intake from its currently-sensible 3 shots a day. Max. Honest.